Wigan captain Sean O'Loughlin is ready to make a rapid return to action against Hull KR after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
Warriors welcome back loose forward for Sunday's trip to Craven Park
Wigan captain Sean O'Loughlin is ready to make a rapid return to action against Hull KR after enduring a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
The loose forward has been forced to watch on from the stands in recent months after suffering a broken shoulder blade back in May.
However, the 25-year-old - who had played in 76 consecutive games before the injury - is set to be back in action for the Cherry and Whites on Sunday - a month ahead of schedule.
O'Loughlin admits it has been tough seeing the team struggle at one stage during his recovery, though he is delighted in the upturn in form in recent weeks.
Disappointed
"When the team is winning, you're a bit disappointed not to be a part of it but it's worse when they're losing because you feel a bit helpless," he said.
"We went a month when we didn't win a game and it was tough seeing the lads come in after games. You just want to help.
"I'm glad we've picked up a few wins before I've come back. Our form over the past three or four weeks has been getting better and better so it will be good to come back into a winning side.
"Hopefully, now we've picked up a few wins, it will be the start of some good form. We've a lot of home games coming up, which benefited us last season, and hopefully it can be the same."
Warriors coach Brian Noble is delighted to have his skipper back for the run-in to the end of the engage Super League regular season and then the play-offs.
"It's great to see him back in full training," he said. "He makes a big different to our team."
Contrasting form
A trip to Hull KR would normally be a tough one but Rovers have suffered a worrying slump in form of late, losing their last six outings.
However, Noble is taking nothing for granted and knows his troops face a tough task this weekend in a match that will mark the three-year anniversary of his opposite number Justin Morgan taking charge at Craven Park.
"Our form is getting better," he added. "But every time we've had a good performance we've probably not backed it up.
"Their form is probably not good but they are going to beat somebody soon and we have to make sure it's not us."
